If you're considering traveling for plastic surgery, Miami and Medellín are often the top two options. They're surprisingly similar in some ways (same flight time from NYC, comparable surgeon training) and dramatically different in others (price, included care, legal recourse).
This isn't a "Medellín is better" article. Both have genuine advantages. Here's the honest comparison.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Miami | Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| BBL Cost | $8,000-$15,000 | $4,000-$6,500 |
| Mommy Makeover | $15,000-$25,000 | $7,000-$12,000 |
| Tummy Tuck | $8,000-$15,000 | $4,000-$6,500 |
| Deep Plane Facelift | $25,000-$50,000 | $5,200-$11,000 |
| Flight from NYC | 3 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Post-Op Care Included | Rarely | Standard |
| Lymphatic Massage | $100-$150/session | $40-$60/session |
| Legal Recourse | Strong | Limited |
| Homicide Rate (2024) | ~11 per 100k | ~11 per 100k |
Miami's Advantages
Domestic Legal Protection
If something goes wrong, you have full access to the US legal system. Malpractice lawsuits, medical board complaints, and insurance claims all work as expected.
No Passport Required
Domestic travel is simpler. No customs, no immigration, no currency exchange, no international phone plan.
Easy Follow-Up
If you need to return for a revision or complication, it's a domestic flight. No visa considerations, no international travel while recovering.
English Everywhere
No language barrier. Every interaction—medical, logistical, emergency—is in your native language.
Medellín's Advantages
50-70% Lower Costs
Same procedures, same implants, same techniques—for half the price or less. The savings are genuine and consistent.
All-Inclusive Recovery Care
Recovery houses with 24/7 nursing, meals, transportation, and often lymphatic massage are standard—not expensive add-ons.
Forced Recovery Time
Being 2,000 miles from home means you can't "just go back to work." You're forced to actually rest—which improves outcomes.
Surgeon Volume
Colombian surgeons often perform 3-5x more procedures annually than US surgeons. High volume correlates with expertise.
Deep Plane Facelift Savings
The biggest price gap. A $40,000 procedure in Miami costs $8,000-$11,000 in Medellín. The savings alone fund multiple trips.
The Safety Question
Miami has stronger regulatory oversight. Florida's medical board actively investigates complaints, and US courts provide meaningful recourse for malpractice.
However, Miami also has BBL deaths—68% of BBL deaths in Florida were performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. Regulation doesn't eliminate risk; it provides recourse after the fact.
Medellín's accredited facilities (SCCP-certified surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals) show complication rates comparable to US benchmarks. The risk increases dramatically at non-accredited facilities—which is true in Miami as well.
The Honest Take on Safety
Choosing a qualified surgeon at an accredited facility matters more than which city you're in. A SCCP-certified surgeon in Medellín is likely safer than an unverified "surgeon" at a Miami med spa—and vice versa. Vetting is everything.
Who Should Choose Miami
- You prioritize legal recourse above cost savings
- You have medical conditions requiring close coordination with US providers
- You're anxious about international travel
- You can afford Miami prices without financial strain
- You need to return to work quickly (can fly home sooner)
Who Should Choose Medellín
- Cost savings of $10,000-$30,000 are meaningful to you
- You want all-inclusive recovery care (not DIY recovery)
- You can take 2-3 weeks off for proper recovery
- You're comfortable with international travel
- You're considering a facelift (biggest savings category)
- You want multiple procedures (savings multiply)
The Bottom Line
Miami offers domestic convenience and legal protection at premium prices. Medellín offers significant savings and included recovery care at the cost of international complexity.
Neither is objectively "better." It depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and what you value. Both cities produce excellent surgical results when you choose qualified surgeons.